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2009

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Articles 1891 - 1920 of 4158

Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Ptau Bimetallic Heteronanostructures Made By Post-Synthesis Modification Of Pt-On-Au Nanoparticles, Zhenmeng Peng Apr 2009

Ptau Bimetallic Heteronanostructures Made By Post-Synthesis Modification Of Pt-On-Au Nanoparticles, Zhenmeng Peng

Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering Faculty Research

imetallic PtAu heteronanostructures have been synthesized from Pt-on-Au nanoparticles, which were made from platinum acetylacetonate and gold nanoparticles. Using the Pt-on-Au nanoparticles as precursors, Ptsurface rich PtAu bimetallic heteronanostructures can be produced through controlled thermal treatments, as confirmed by field emission high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and elemental mapping using a high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscope (HAADF-STEM). Oxidation of formic acid was used as a model reaction to demonstrate the effects of varying composition and surface structure on the catalytic performance of PtAu bimetallic nanostructures. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) showed that these carbon-supported PtAu heteronanostructures were much more active …


Quick Test For Durability Factor Estimation, David Newton Richardson Apr 2009

Quick Test For Durability Factor Estimation, David Newton Richardson

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is considering the use of the AASHTO T 161 Durability Factor (DF) as an end-result performance specification criterion for evaluation of paving concrete. However, the test method duration can exceed 75 days before results are known. MoDOT contracted with the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) to develop a method of approximation of DF based primarily on aggregate testing that would be of a shorter duration. Nineteen different ledge samples representing 18 ledges, 10 geologic formations (nine limestone and one dolomite) were sampled by MoDOT and delivered to Missouri S&T. The ledge …


Comments On "Robust And Reliable Estimation Via Unscented Recursive Nonlinear Dynamic Data Reconciliation", Sridhar Ungarala Apr 2009

Comments On "Robust And Reliable Estimation Via Unscented Recursive Nonlinear Dynamic Data Reconciliation", Sridhar Ungarala

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.


Economic And Environmental Performance Analysis Of Pv Systems For Domestic Applications In Ireland, Lacour Ayompe, Aidan Duffy, Sarah Mccormack, Michael Conlon Apr 2009

Economic And Environmental Performance Analysis Of Pv Systems For Domestic Applications In Ireland, Lacour Ayompe, Aidan Duffy, Sarah Mccormack, Michael Conlon

Conference Papers

Long-term monthly average daily solar radiation values on horizontal surfaces at 20 locations in Ireland were used to model the performance of a 1.72 kWp grid-connected PV system. Global solar radiation on horizontal surfaces varied between 865.1 and 1,127.9 kWh/m2/yr with a mean of 947.9 kWh/m2/yr. Annual energy yields varied between 869 and 1,156 960 kWh/kWp with a mean of 960 kWh/kWp. The capacity factor for the PV system varied between 9.9 and 13.2% while the mean was 11.0%. System cost parameters, long-term annual average electricity domestic rate cost escalation were used to calculate the Net Present Value (NPV), cost …


Analysis Of Load-Induced Strains In A Hot Mix Asphalt Perpetual Pavement, James Crovetti Apr 2009

Analysis Of Load-Induced Strains In A Hot Mix Asphalt Perpetual Pavement, James Crovetti

Transportation Reports with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation

This report presents the findings of a research study conducted to investigate the structural performance of a 275 mm hot mix asphalt perpetual pavement constructed as part of the WIM bypass lane at the Kenosha Safety & Weigh Station Facility. Two separate test sections were constructed using variable binder types and in-place air voids. Asphalt strain sensors were fabricated at Marquette University and installed during the construction of the HMA pavement. Sensors were positioned within the outer wheel path and located at the bottom of the 275 mm HMA pavement and at the interface between the lower layers at a …


Assessment Of Superstructure Ice Protection As Applied To Offshore Oil Operations Safety, Charles C. Ryerson Apr 2009

Assessment Of Superstructure Ice Protection As Applied To Offshore Oil Operations Safety, Charles C. Ryerson

United States Army: Publications

Offshore oil exploration and production operators in high latitude regions recognize icing as a seasonal challenge. Icing is often accepted as an inconvenience, but that tolerance can rapidly become a safety hazard that requires solutions. This report evaluates the superstructure and atmospheric icing hazard on offshore platforms and supply boats with location and operation on the structure. It also explains the potential impact of icing on these locations and operations by icing type: sea spray, snow, glaze, rime, frost, and sleet. Fourteen ice protection technology categories are identified for anti-icing, deicing, and ice detection. These technologies include chemicals, icephobic coatings, …


Ankle Load Modulates Hip Kinetics And Emg During Human Locomotion, Keith E. Gordon, Ming Wu, Jennifer H. Kahn, Yasin Y. Dhaher, Brian D. Schmit Apr 2009

Ankle Load Modulates Hip Kinetics And Emg During Human Locomotion, Keith E. Gordon, Ming Wu, Jennifer H. Kahn, Yasin Y. Dhaher, Brian D. Schmit

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of this research was to examine the role of isolated ankle-foot load in regulating locomotor patterns in humans with and without spinal cord injury (SCI). We used a powered ankle-foot orthosis to unilaterally load the ankle and foot during robotically assisted airstepping. The load perturbation consisted of an applied dorsiflexion torque designed to stimulate physiological load sensors originating from the ankle plantar flexor muscles and pressure receptors on the sole of the foot. We hypothesized that 1) the response to load would be phase specific with enhanced ipsilateral extensor muscle activity and joint torque occurring when unilateral …


Operational Knowledge Transfer In Municipal Utility Organizations, G. Christian Guvemator Iv Apr 2009

Operational Knowledge Transfer In Municipal Utility Organizations, G. Christian Guvemator Iv

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Municipal water and wastewater utility systems experience several challenges related to maintaining an experienced operations workforce. One of these issues is the loss of operational knowledge as the current experienced workforce reaches the age of retirement. The future success of system operability depends upon a process that transfers the knowledge of the experienced employee into the organization before he or she retires. Recent investigations highlight the importance of, and the methods for, knowledge transfer; however, current literature does not include significant information on the municipal utility industry. The objective of this investigation is to identify how operational knowledge is being …


Numerical Study Of Confined Flow Past An Airfoil Injector With A Planar Jet, Omar A. Alabbasi Apr 2009

Numerical Study Of Confined Flow Past An Airfoil Injector With A Planar Jet, Omar A. Alabbasi

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Vortex shedding from an airfoil injector in a channel is investigated by using a numerical solution for unsteady, two-dimensional, Navier-Stokes Equations. A second-order implicit finite-volume scheme is employed to solve the equations. The effect on vortex shedding of a planar jet injected from the rear of the injector is studied. The effect of the jet velocity on the vortex shedding and its drag and lift coefficients are also studied at different blockage ratios and Reynolds numbers for laminar flow. Initial results to validate previous numerical simulations are performed on a square cylinder with and without a planar jet. Good agreement …


Finite Element Model Of A Tennis Racket, Sayali Shashikant Kapatkar Apr 2009

Finite Element Model Of A Tennis Racket, Sayali Shashikant Kapatkar

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

An explicit finite-element (FE) model of a tennis racket and string was produced in NASTRAN/PATRAN. MSC/NASTRAN is a general-purpose FEA program capable of solving a wide variety of engineering problems such as linear static analysis, static analysis with geometric and material with nonlinearities, transient analysis with geometric and material nonlinearities. A finite element racket model was used to study the engineering characteristics that affect the "sweet spot" of a te1mis racket. A similar model was simulated by creating a tennis racket, a tennis ball and a string-bed, and it was validated against MADYMO (Mathematical Dynamic Model) data.

The MADYMO validation …


A Compact Lidar For Aircraft Ozone Atmospheric Measurements, Joel A. Marcia Apr 2009

A Compact Lidar For Aircraft Ozone Atmospheric Measurements, Joel A. Marcia

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Researchers and the general public have expressed great concern over how human activities exacerbate pollution's deteriorating impact upon the environment. Effects such as global warming, air quality and ozone layer depletion are but a few examples that can have a dramatic effect on the quality of life worldwide.

A compact lidar system for the purpose of aircraft ozone atmospheric measurements was tested and evaluated. This system will eventually be deployed for aircraft-based, and possibly unpiloted atmospheric vehicle (UAV), ozone and aerosol measurements to improve our understanding of ozone production and transport. Each of the major subsystems was characterized and from …


A Hidden Markov Model Based Approach To Detect Rogue Access Points, Gayathri Shivaraj Apr 2009

A Hidden Markov Model Based Approach To Detect Rogue Access Points, Gayathri Shivaraj

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

One of the most challenging security concerns for network administrators is the presence of Rogue access points. The challenge is to detect and disable a Rogue access point before it can cause hazardous damage to the network. This thesis proposes a statistically based approach to detect Rogue access points using a Hidden Markov Model, which is applied to passively measure packet-header data collected at a gateway router or any monitoring point. This approach utilizes variations in packet inter-arrival time to differentiate between authorized access points and Rouge access points. This approach used the inter-arrival time of a packet as a …


Analysis Of Electroencephalogram Signals For The Identification Of Mental Tasks, My Thy Thi Tran Apr 2009

Analysis Of Electroencephalogram Signals For The Identification Of Mental Tasks, My Thy Thi Tran

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals can be used for implicit communication such as to control robots or medical equipment by brain activity or to detect an individual's intentions of committing premeditated crimes. An EEG based brain-computer interface allows paralyzed patients to express their thoughts. However, biological and technical artifacts heavily interfered with EEG signals due to blinking of the eyes, muscle activities and line noise. Sometimes the noise interference due to signal artifacts becomes more prominent than the information content. This thesis investigates novel feature extraction methodologies in EEG signals to represent different thought processes and employs neural network-based pattern classification techniques …


Investigating The Relationship Between An It Project Manager's Emotional Intelligence And The Customer's Perception Of Success, William Jacob Lamarsh Ii Apr 2009

Investigating The Relationship Between An It Project Manager's Emotional Intelligence And The Customer's Perception Of Success, William Jacob Lamarsh Ii

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This research focuses on the intersections of Project Management, Information Technology (IT), and Emotional Intelligence. The Project Management Institute (PMI) created the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, which is one of the most highly regarded and sought after professional certifications (Project Management Institute 2005, p. 15-18). This certification acknowledges the holder as a knowledgeable practitioner in Project Management. The purpose behind Project Management is to obtain requirements, sometimes fluid at best, and develop solutions that are traceable by schedule and cost controls. This approach allows a Project Manager to monitor and control the project through successful completion. However, the PMI …


Tree-D-Seek: A Framework For Retrieving Three-Dimensional Scenes, Saurav Mazumdar Apr 2009

Tree-D-Seek: A Framework For Retrieving Three-Dimensional Scenes, Saurav Mazumdar

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

In this dissertation, a strategy and framework for retrieving 3D scenes is proposed. The strategy is to retrieve 3D scenes based on a unified approach for indexing content from disparate information sources and information levels. The TREE-D-SEEK framework implements the proposed strategy for retrieving 3D scenes and is capable of indexing content from a variety of corpora at distinct information levels. A semantic annotation model for indexing 3D scenes in the TREE-D-SEEK framework is also proposed. The semantic annotation model is based on an ontology for rapid prototyping of 3D virtual worlds.

With ongoing improvements in computer hardware and 3D …


Spatiotemporal Estuarine Water Quality Parameterization Using Remote Sensing And In-Situ Characteristics, Kwisun Park Yu Apr 2009

Spatiotemporal Estuarine Water Quality Parameterization Using Remote Sensing And In-Situ Characteristics, Kwisun Park Yu

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation develops a new paradigm in a water quality monitoring approach to parameterize spatiotemporal estuarine water quality with sustainable reliability, less cost and less time. A key underpinning of this paradigm of the spatiotemporal estuarine water quality parameterization is various water quality parameters' interrelationship with ambient water temperature as a common factor, their time dependent characteristics, and spatiotemporal characteristics of remote sensing. It has two core models to provide input data of water quality parameterization model in a system; the transfer function models of the physical system and an analytical temperature time series model. The objective of this dissertation …


Network Optimization Of Dynamically Complex Systems, Ramez Ahmed Shamseldin Apr 2009

Network Optimization Of Dynamically Complex Systems, Ramez Ahmed Shamseldin

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The aim of this research is to optimize large scale network handling capabilities for large system inventories and to implement strategies for the purpose of reducing capital expenses. As computers become more and more networked, it is easier to share files among storage media. In addition, more bandwidth will be consumed by network flow because customers will be connected through networks which will transfer files and data, such as video files (MPEGn, AVI, WMV, etc.) to be watched at a customer's computer (host). Furthermore, these networks terminals will be used as mini warehouses to save files and data. Selective files …


Towards The Quantitative Analysis Of The Connectivity Value Of Networked Operations, Dean Deller Apr 2009

Towards The Quantitative Analysis Of The Connectivity Value Of Networked Operations, Dean Deller

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

While the nature of and the approach to command and control is evolving in order to meet the challenges of Information Age warfare, the essential functions that must be accomplished remain constant. One of those essential functions is the arrangement of the assets within a combat force. Certainly, the many different ways to arrange a given set of assets will have different impacts on the combat effectiveness of the force. Some arrangements will enable self-synchronization, while other arrangements will impede it. How then, should an Information Age combat force be organized in order to optimize its effectiveness?

The concept of …


Characterization Of Microwave Cavity Discharges In A Supersonic Flow, Dareth Janette Drake Apr 2009

Characterization Of Microwave Cavity Discharges In A Supersonic Flow, Dareth Janette Drake

Physics Theses & Dissertations

A partially ionized gas is referred to as either a plasma or a discharge depending on the degree of ionization. The term discharge is usually applied to a weakly ionized gas, i.e. mostly neutrals, where as a plasma usually has a larger degree of ionization. To characterize a discharge the plasma parameters, such as the rotational temperature, vibrational temperature, and electron density, must be determined. Detailed characterization of supersonic flowing discharges is important to many applications in aerospace and aerodynamics. One application is the use of plasma-assisted hydrogen combustion devices to aid in supersonic combustion. In conditions close to the …


Multidisciplinary Design Optimization For Sonic Boom Mitigation, Isik A. Ozcer Apr 2009

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization For Sonic Boom Mitigation, Isik A. Ozcer

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Automated, parallelized, time-efficient surface definition and grid generation and flow simulation methods are developed for sharp and accurate sonic boom signal computation in three dimensions in the near and mid-field of an aircraft using Euler/Full-Potential unstructured/structured computational fluid dynamics. The full-potential mid-field sonic boom prediction code is an accurate and efficient solver featuring automated grid generation, grid adaptation and shock fitting, and parallel processing. This program quickly marches the solution using a single nonlinear equation for large distances that cannot be covered with Euler solvers due to large memory and long computational time requirements. The solver takes into account variations …


Mitigating Crack Propagation In A Highly Maneuverable Flight Vehicle Using Life Extending Control Logic, Mohamed Mostafa Yousef Bassyouny Elshabasy Apr 2009

Mitigating Crack Propagation In A Highly Maneuverable Flight Vehicle Using Life Extending Control Logic, Mohamed Mostafa Yousef Bassyouny Elshabasy

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

In this research, life extending control logic is proposed to reduce the cost of treating the aging problem of military aircraft structures and to avoid catastrophic failures and fatal accidents due to undetected cracks in the airframe components. The life extending control logic is based on load tailoring to facilitate a desired stress sequence that prolongs the structural life of the cracked airframe components by exploiting certain nonlinear crack retardation phenomena. The load is tailored to include infrequent injections of a single-cycle overload or a single-cycle overload and underload. These irregular loadings have an anti-intuitive but beneficial effect, which has …


On The Role Of Assertions For Conceptual Modeling As Enablers Of Composable Simulation Solutions, Robert Dennis King Apr 2009

On The Role Of Assertions For Conceptual Modeling As Enablers Of Composable Simulation Solutions, Robert Dennis King

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This research provides a much needed systematic review of the roles that assertions play in model composability and simulation interoperability. In doing so, this research contributes a partial solution to one of the problems of model composability and simulation interoperability—namely, why do simulation systems fail to achieve the maximum level of interoperability possible? It demonstrates the importance of the assertions that are made during model development and simulation implementation, particularly as they reflect the unique viewpoint of each developer or user. It hypothesizes that it is possible to detect composability conflicts by means of a four-step process developed by the …


Ceg 320/520-01: Computer Organization, Michael L. Raymer Apr 2009

Ceg 320/520-01: Computer Organization, Michael L. Raymer

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

No abstract provided.


A Multi-Interface Multi-Channel Routing (Mmcr) Protocol For Wireless Ad Hoc Networks, Reghu Anguswamy, Maciej Jan Zawodniok, Jagannathan Sarangapani Apr 2009

A Multi-Interface Multi-Channel Routing (Mmcr) Protocol For Wireless Ad Hoc Networks, Reghu Anguswamy, Maciej Jan Zawodniok, Jagannathan Sarangapani

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Multiple non-interfering channels are available in 802.11 and 802.15.4 based wireless networks. Capacity of such channels can be combined to achieve a better performance thus providing a higher quality of service (QoS) than for a single channel network. However, existing routing protocols often are not suited to fully take advantage of these channels. The proposed multi-interface multi-channel routing (MMCR) protocol considers various QoS parameters such as throughput, end-to-end delay, and energy utilization as a single unified cost metric and identifies the route that optimizes the cost metric and balances the traffic among the channels on a per flow basis. Multipoint …


Learning Functions Generated By Randomly Initialized Mlps And Srns, R. Cleaver, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy Apr 2009

Learning Functions Generated By Randomly Initialized Mlps And Srns, R. Cleaver, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, nonlinear functions generated by randomly initialized multilayer perceptrons (MLPs) and simultaneous recurrent neural networks (SRNs) and two benchmark functions are learned by MLPs and SRNs. Training SRNs is a challenging task and a new learning algorithm - PSO-QI is introduced. PSO-QI is a standard particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm with the addition of a quantum step utilizing the probability density property of a quantum particle. The results from PSO-QI are compared with the standard backpropagation (BP) and PSO algorithms. It is further verified that functions generated by SRNs are harder to learn than those generated by MLPs …


Guidelines For Indot-Mpo Coordination, Myron Matlock, Jon D. Fricker Apr 2009

Guidelines For Indot-Mpo Coordination, Myron Matlock, Jon D. Fricker

JTRP Technical Reports

Federal legislation, such as the Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), mandates that each state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) coordinate with the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) within the state in the development and implementation of their Long-Range Transportation Plans. However, federal legislation does not indicate how the DOT and MPOs should work together, resulting in varying collaborative strategies from case to case. Developing a set of collaborative strategies that MPOs in the state of Indiana and the DOT could use during the transportation planning process could result in faster information processing and improved …


Multi-Jurisdictional Issues Related To Congestion Management, Myron Matlock, Jon D. Fricker Apr 2009

Multi-Jurisdictional Issues Related To Congestion Management, Myron Matlock, Jon D. Fricker

JTRP Technical Reports

When a project intended to solve transportation problems such as congestion and access management involves multiple cities, counties, and/or state agencies, disputes can occur due to incompatible interests, resulting in project delays. Creating a mechanism that allows the agencies to communicate and work together during the planning stages can improve the effectiveness of the final plan for the project.

The purpose of this study was to develop and provide transportation agencies with coordination and collaborative strategies that could be used to help the various agencies work together on multiple projects. This study was based on a study of the literature …


Safety Impacts Of Design Exceptions, Nataliya V. Malyshkina, Fred L. Mannering, Jose E. Thomaz Apr 2009

Safety Impacts Of Design Exceptions, Nataliya V. Malyshkina, Fred L. Mannering, Jose E. Thomaz

JTRP Technical Reports

Compliance to the Indiana Department of Transportation's (INDOT) highway design criteria is considered essential to ensure the roadway safety. However, for a variety of reasons, situations arise where exceptions to standard-design criteria are requested and accepted after review. This research explores the impact that design exceptions have on the accident severity and accident frequency in Indiana. Data on accidents at 36 roadway sites with design exceptions and 71 without design exceptions are used in this research, and appropriate statistical models are estimated for the severity and frequency of these accidents. The results of the detailed statistical modeling show that presence …


Cs 209-01: Computer Programming For Business Ii, David M. Hutchison Apr 2009

Cs 209-01: Computer Programming For Business Ii, David M. Hutchison

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

cs 209 is the second in a sequence of two programming classes required for MIS majors. This course will continue teaching students to the basic concepts of programming. Examples are from business applications and emphasis is on problem solving with the computer as a tool.


Cs 776: Functional Programming, Krishnaprasad Thirunarayan Apr 2009

Cs 776: Functional Programming, Krishnaprasad Thirunarayan

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

This course will discuss important concepts of functional programming such as recursive definitions, higher-order functions, type inference, polymorphism, abstract data types, modules etc. The programming exercises will illustrate the utility of list-processing, pattern matching, abstraction of data/control, strong typing, and parameterized modules (functors). We also study the mathematical reasoning involved in the design of functional programs and techniques for proving properties about functions so defined.